"Europe’s Olive Trees Threatened By Spread of Deadly Bacteria"

"Bacteria that is destroying ancient olive groves in the Apulia region of southern Italy is very likely to spread to other areas of Europe, says report."

"First it was Europe’s ash trees under threat from disease. Now it’s the continent’s olives in the firing line. A killer pathogen that has established itself in southern Italy is now 'very likely' to spread, posing a major risk to European olive trees, according to an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa).

Xylella fastidiosa, also known as olive leaf scorch, has taken hold in the Apulia region at the southernmost tip of Italy, where several thousand hectares of olive plantations are now affected.

The bacterium kills infected plants by preventing water movement in trees, causing leaves to turn yellow and brown before falling off, their branches following soon after."

Arthur Neslen reports for the Guardian January 8, 2015.